Govt. to spend ₹24,000 crore to modernise police force, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Union government informed the Supreme Court about implementing a ₹24,000 crore umbrella scheme for police modernization over the next five years.
• The Police Modernisation Mission aims to enhance internal security capabilities of State police forces and Central Armed Police Forces through greater use of technology.
• This submission was made during a suo motu proceeding initiated by the Supreme Court in 2025.
• The suo motu case was prompted by a media report highlighting non-functional CCTV cameras at police stations in Udaipur.
• The court is reviewing the implementation of its 2020 judgment in the Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh case, which mandated CCTV installation at key locations in police stations.

Detailed Insights:

• The Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) umbrella scheme, which includes the Assistance to States & UTs for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) sub-scheme, is a centrally sponsored initiative.
• The scheme aims to reduce states' dependence on the Army and Central Armed Police Forces for internal security by equipping state police with modern weaponry, communication, and forensic setups.
• Central Armed Police Forces are central organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for internal security, border guarding, and assisting state police.
• The Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh case (2020) mandated CCTV cameras with audio-video recording in all police stations and investigative agencies to prevent custodial violence and ensure transparency.
• The judgment also stipulated that CCTV footage must be preserved for at least 18 months and established oversight committees at state and district levels.
• The Supreme Court's suo motu action underscores its role in ensuring compliance with its judgments and protecting fundamental rights, particularly Article 21 (Right to Life).

Key Concepts Involved:

• Police Modernisation Mission: A Union government umbrella scheme to upgrade police forces with technology and infrastructure for enhanced internal security.
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): Seven central security organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs assisting in internal security and border management.
• Suo motu proceeding: A legal action initiated by a court on its own accord, without a formal petition from any party.
• Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh case: A 2020 Supreme Court judgment mandating CCTV installation in police stations to curb custodial violence and ensure transparency.